APRIL I

DA-NANG! April 11th, 2006
Well, I am in one of the GET offices now as I type this and through the window I see land – woo hoo! We are scheduled to arrive in Danang in just a few hours. I'm planning to hang around Danang city for the day and then perhaps head to the world heritage city of Hoi An?! We’ll see what happens…. Update you later!

I WANT TO BE MUSICAL April 10th, 2006
I was extremely pleased to learn that Koh Tao would be holding a carimba workshop. Only 60 spots were available, so I signed up for the lottery and was lucky enough to be picked! Today was the first workshop. We received our own carimba and were taught how to play a few easy rhythms. The carimba instrument sounds sort of like a music box. It’s really soothing and I love it. I guess we will have a few more workshops and play with Koh Tao at their last concert in front of the whole ship. I better get practicing!

WHERE IS THE SUNSHINE BAR? April 9th, 2006
I have been soooooo busy these past few days I hadn’t actually ventured outside until tonight. How sad is that? But tonight I FINALLY found the sunshine bar which is located on the upper outside deck on the back side of the ship. Upon arriving I found about half the GET teachers drinking and relaxing and joined in for a few beers. “Where have you been Meredith?” was the question of the night, which made me feel good because it meant I was missed. I also found out an important piece of information – Sunshine Bar happy hour daily from 5-6pm. This equals drinks for $2.00!!!!

KOH TAO April 8th, 2006
So much happening! There has been a lot of prep work for the upcoming English classes, including interviews and orientation meetings etc… I haven’t had much time for anything, but under advisement I made sure to attend the Koh Tao concert that was held tonight. Koh Tao is a music group consisting of two Japanese guys who met in Koh Tao, Thailand – hence their band name. They play a bunch of different world instruments, such as a Turkish guitar, Native American flute, African carimba and drums, Okinawan wood clapper etc… The music was very soothing. I just closed my eyes and kind of zoned out. They will be holding a number of workshops and concerts until Colombo, Sri Lanka. Looking forward to hearing their tunes again!

KOBE DEPARTURE April 6th, 2006
The ship arrived in Kobe, Japan today to pick up the other 300 some passengers. Kobe departure was a bit more sentimental for me, as two of my Japanese friends from the last Peaceboat voyage I took (9/2002- 12/2002) came to the port to see me off. It was strange seeing them standing on land waving goodbye to me with babies in their arms (when I first met them they were single and childless.) The day before turned me off the champagne, and since I wasn’t drinking I personally wasn’t as nori nori, but the weather was much better and the streamers were everywhere. In the evening we had a dance party, and both passengers and teachers went insane on the dance floor. The teacher coordinator said that this was the craziest bunch of passengers she has ever seen, and as this is her 5th or 6th time on the ship that staement is saying a lot. EVERYONE was up and dancing – Japanese shyness nowhere to be found. Two letters from each of my Japanese friends who came to the port to say Bon voyage were passed on to me at the party. They both wished me a great trip and other gushy stuff – so sweet! It was a busy, yet good day. Especially with the lack of seasickness.


TOKYO DEPARTURE April 5th, 2006
Today the boat departed from the port of Yokohama, near Tokyo. About 600 Japanese passengers boarded the ship today. The departure ceremony usually involves massive amounts of streamers and champagne, but due to horrible rainy weather the streamers were a no go. The champagne was still available though, and since the GET teachers were put in charge in passing out cups of champagne to the passengers we also had the liberty of taste testing pre-departure to make sure it tasted okay - he he. The Irish bloke on board Brian kept pouring my glass and needless to say I was pretty sauced for the whole departure event. This was the very first time on Peaceboat for most of the teachers and passengers and the vibe was as they say in Japanese, nori nori, or kicking! I kept hearing the teachers shouting “We’re going around the f#$@ing world!!!” I had an awesome time, rain or no rain. The only part that sucked was the seasickness (I NEVER got seasick on Peaceboat before) that came a few hours later, most likely due to my over consumption of alcohol mixed with the rocky waves of the Sea of Japan.